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We hope that 2024 is going well for you! Our newsletter will provide resources and information on preparing and planning for public health emergencies with a focus on people with Disabilities, Access and/or Functional Needs (DAFN).
We will share the DAFN team's latest happenings, provide opportunities to connect with other community partners, and share upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Join us in fostering a robust partnership that prioritizes the well-being of our whole community!
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From left to right - Annerose Penalba, Saturne Sam, Kim Vuong, McKenzie Stribich, and Esme Garcia, combine their lived experience with disability to help support and create inclusive and accessible public health emergency plans and protocols for our Long Beach community. | |
The Disability, Access, and Functional Needs (DAFN) unit is housed in the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Emergency Management Division. We work with community partners and listen to our DAFN community to ensure that their needs are met during public health emergencies. | | |
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The Long Beach Health Department Disability Access and Functional Needs team is putting on a series of “Lunch and Learns.” These events are focused on increasing our PHEM team’s knowledge on mental health, disability, and emergency situations.
If you would like to present during our Lunch and Learns, please contact McKenzie Stribich at McKenzie.Stribich@longbeach.gov.
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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month | | |
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National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) Social Media Campaign
Each March, the NACDD and their partners work together to create a social media campaign that highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life...
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Let's Get Prepared! California's Emergency Preparedness Guide For People with Disabilities | |
Developed by the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities and help from the members of State Plan Work Group 5.
People with disabilities may have specific needs to consider in an emergency and may require extra planning. This toolkit provides resources and guidance on what to include in an emergency preparedness bag.
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| Children with autism cannot feel or express love or empathy. | | | |
March is Women's History Month | | |
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Cal OES Listas Initiative, a
Woman-Focused Emergency Preparedness Empowerment Initiative and Resources
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Spotlight Shines on Judith “Judy” Heumann, often called the “the Mother of the Disability Rights Movement.” | | |
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DAFN Team Member Spotlight
Annerose Penalba (she/her) is a compassionate Accessibility Advocate with three years of experience working at the City of Long Beach’s Health Department. With a B.A. in Film and Media Studies at UC Irvine, she applies her creative background, strengths in planning, and data analytics skills into the public health sector to promote emergency management and build capacity. Annerose is pursuing a graduate degree in Entertainment and Tourism where she aspires to positively affect marginalized communities by integrating inclusivity and accessibility in the global and media landscape.
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PHEM Program Spotlight
Led by Moriah Mowery, Volunteer and Resource Coordinator, the Long Beach MRC serves the City of Long Beach by working directly with the Public Health Emergency Management Division at the Long Beach Department.
The Long Beach MRC is comprised of volunteers from the community with both medical and non-medical backgrounds. Currently, the MRC has 1,897 members with 502 of them being licensed medical personnel. Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing public health preparedness, responding to emergencies and participating in preparedness drills with local emergency response partners and community members. Volunteers are provided with training opportunities that range from Psychological First Aid, Stop the Bleed, CPR, and more. For more information , contact mrc@longbeach.gov.
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March 15-17: Abilities Expo
Abilities Expo is the premiere event for the disability community. It is a free 3-day event that takes place in the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event provides the latest products and services, cutting-edge tech, info-packed workshops, adaptive activities and more.
Jennifer Kumiyama, the star of Disney's movie Wish and Long Beach's Citywide Accessibility Coordinator will be there!
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March 23: Spring Into Health
Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Division in partnership with Disability Rights California, will be hosting a “Spring into Health Event” on Saturday, March 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at California Recreation Park (McBride Park – 1550 Martin Luther King Jr., Ave.).
The event will provide health screenings, vaccinations, and community resources, with an emphasis on reaching the Cambodian community. Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered to all, and $25 gift cards will be provided to those who receive a vaccine. Additionally, fresh produce will be available for the first 100 attendees on a first-come-first-served basis. In-person Khmer and Spanish interpretation support will be available throughout the event.
English | Spanish | Khmer | Tagalog
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April 9-11: Colorado Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Conference
The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is hosting their annual AFN Conference. The conference is free and can be attended virtually. The conference will focus on June Isaacson Kailes' CMIST Framework.
Registration closes on Friday, March 15, 2024.
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April 13: Long Beach Adaptive Sports Fair (FREE!)
The Long Beach Adaptive Sports Fair is taking place on Saturday, April 13th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Long Beach City College Liberal Arts Campus Sports Complex.
Come experience an array of adaptive sports and resources. Registration is required.
English | Spanish | Volunteer Flyer (English)
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Sign up to receive city Emergency Notification messages to your mobile phone and / or email address. In the event of an emergency a text message and/or voice message will be sent to the mobile number and/or email address used to sign up.
Learn More Here
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Be Prepared Social Toolkit | |
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It can always rain tomorrow...
Southern California weather is unpredictable, so stay prepared for flooding and power outages by having your emergency kit ready to go. Remember, always check on your family, friends, and neighbors because we are stronger together!
Visit the DAFN webpage to access resources on how to prepare for emergencies.
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In case you missed last month's newsletter, click HERE. | | | | |
